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Caramel Apple Empanadas

2022-09-01 - Written by: Maria Rodriguez

Empanadas Dessert

Caramel Apple Empanadas

Flaky pastry pockets filled with tender apples and gooey caramel, perfect for a sweet treat.

Caramel Apple Empanadas

** Servings: 12 empanadas**

Ingredients:

For the dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar

For the filling:

  • 6-8 medium apples, peeled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

Make the dough:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and vinegar.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the filling:

  1. In a separate mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until the apples are evenly coated with the dry ingredients.

Assemble the empanadas:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
  3. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass. You should be able to get around 12 circles.
  4. Place a tablespoon or two of caramel sauce in the center of each circle.
  5. Arrange a few slices of apple on top of the caramel, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
  6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together with your fingers to seal the empanada. Use a fork to crimp the edges if desired.
  7. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush them with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a splash of water).

Bake the empanadas:

  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Serve warm:

Serve the Caramel Apple Empanadas warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired. Enjoy!